The Royal New Zealand Air Force was officially formed on April 1, 1937, transitioning from being a component of the Royal Air Force to an independent arm of New Zealand's military forces. The decision to establish a separate air force stemmed from a broader trend of militarization and national identity that characterized the interwar period. As nations recognized the importance of aviation in modern warfare, New Zealand aimed to strengthen its defense capabilities in response to regional threats and the global political climate.

Prior to its independent status, New Zealand's air units had served under British command, primarily as part of the Royal Air Force. However, following World War I, there was a growing sentiment of autonomy among the Dominions of the British Empire. Leaders in New Zealand understood that a dedicated air force could improve national response to potential conflicts and natural disasters. The establishment of the RNZAF was spearheaded by Air Vice-Marshal Sir Henry Wigram, a prominent advocate for air power, who recognized the strategic necessity of an independent air force given the mounting tensions in Europe and the Pacific.

With the establishment of the RNZAF came the responsibility for training, operations, and development of air capabilities that would enhance the defense of New Zealand. The new air force immediately began implementing training programs and acquiring aircraft, which would lay the groundwork for New Zealand's effective air operations during World War II. The emphasis on self-reliance and preparedness marked a pivotal shift in how New Zealand approached defense, eventually contributing to its participation in key operations alongside Allied forces throughout the war. This transition underscored the significance of aviation in national defense and helped shape New Zealand's military policy in the decades to come.